Alumni Blog: FAN President

Hey Fellow Falcons,

My name is Cassandra Wilcox, I attended UTPB from 2006 to 2013 for both undergrad and grad school. While a student, I was a member of the swim team, Students in Philanthropy, and the cheer squad. My current affiliation to UTPB is proud alum and President of the Falcon Alumni Network (FAN), UTPB’s alumni association.

When I first moved to Odessa, I was a new high school graduate, 7 hours from family, and only 17 years old. I remember coming down with a cold, and the cashier feeling bad for having to tell me she could not sell me anything but the cough drops and Kleenex that I had picked up. Thankfully, I had the entire swim team checking in and making sure I got what I needed. This is when I knew that choosing UTPB was the right decision. I already knew I liked the dorms and the smaller class sizes, but the scariest thing about college is making new friends. Finding a group or team on campus, made that easier. Everyone was welcoming and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of the students. The friends I made during those years are still some of my closest people.

After graduation, most of my friends moved back to their hometowns. However, I decided to make Odessa my new home. This was one of the best decisions I have made so far. The opportunities that Odessa has offered me range anywhere from getting to travel the nation for work, and getting to dive into the community by joining different types of organizations. Such as the Young Professionals through the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, Junior League of Odessa, and the Falcon Alumni Network – all to do my part to give back and help the next generation of Falcons.

I am currently the Sr. Staff Accountant at Odessa Regional Medical Center, and, although I enjoy what I do, my true passion lies in giving back. When I joined FAN in 2015, I never thought I would be President. All I wanted was to do my part to help UTPB grow and help the current Falcons succeed. It has been exciting to see how the university has grown since I left 7 years ago, and I can see the excitement in the faculty, staff, and students when they talk about the steps ahead.

Whether you stayed local or moved across the country, there are unlimited ways that alumni can give back. You can help donate to a scholarship, offer employment to a fellow alum, or recruit the next class of Falcons. Whichever you decide, the Falcon Alumni Network can assist with your contribution. My vision for FAN is to have a presence around the nation. A small group of alumni that meet not only in West Texas, but in places like Austin, Dallas, Houston and across the country. Contrary to many beliefs our Falcon pride can shine across the nation.  

I could write a book on the ways this university and community have impacted my life, but I don’t want to keep you. Before I go, a friendly reminder that the UTPB we attended a decade ago was improved by the impact of the alumni before us, and we can make an impact of the Falcons of the future. Sending you blessings of happiness, good health, and Falcon pride.

Falcons UP,

Cassie Wilcox